Barbie, the iconic fashion doll created by Ruth Handler in 1959, is a symbol of timeless beauty, style, and empowerment. When Barbie was first introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, the plastic doll was the first of its kind to feature a grown-up female body, prompting little girls everywhere to imagine what life could become beyond the cradle. Today, the best Barbies represent an array of diverse themes and designs that cater to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
From classic Barbies showcasing various careers and fashion trends to limited-edition releases celebrating cultural diversity and iconic collaborations, the world of Barbie offers a captivating spectrum of dolls that continue to inspire creativity and imagination across generations.
The modern-day “Barbie” movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, has taken the world by storm. In fact, a recent study dives into one of the many creative marketing tactics that have hatched because of the massive film. Located in Malibu, the oceanfront Barbie DreamHouse created by Airbnb is the latest in a series of global marketing stunts to promote Greta Gerwig’s new film, the first live-action adventure movie about the iconic Mattel doll. Some speculate that this version of the DreamHouse has ominous implications. Read more here.
From the rise of popular dolls like Chatty Cathy to the Cabbage Kids, there is no other piece of manufactured plastic that has transcended its function to become a historical figure quite like Barbie has. In celebration of this cultural mainstay, StudyFinds rounded up 10 expert reviews to present this list of the best Barbies of all time. Did we miss your childhood favorite? Let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Barbies of All Time, According to Experts
1. Original “OG” Barbie
The debut Barbie is also known as Original Barbie and as classics come, even with so many revisions to her likeness, we can’t quite forget her face. “The idea behind this doll was to portray, like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, the glamour of the stars of the 1950s,” writes a reviewer from Shortpedia.
This Barbie is an original.
Introduced in 1959 by the Mattel toy company, Barbie was a new doll for the time. Unlike many other dolls of the era, Barbie was a teenage fashion model from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin, who could date, drive, and wear fabulous clothes. pic.twitter.com/rKdWqQY61l
— National Museum of American History (@amhistorymuseum) July 24, 2023
Barbie’s real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts and she was inspired when the creator, Ruth Handler, watched her daughter play with paper dolls while giving them adult roles. A reviewer for 247 Tempo noted that the creator set out to fill a void in children’s play, naming the doll after her own daughter, Barbara, but the doll’s alluring aesthetic was rumored to be created to be appealing to men.
The reviewer from Top Tenz also noted that there was an understated aura surrounding the OG Barbie that was quite mysterious and, dare I say, tantalizing. They noticed that Barbie had a, “Teeny-tiny waist, a great swimsuit, and those eyes. What are those eyes telling us?”
2. Day-to-Night Barbie
By the mid ’80s Barbie was ready to break out of her glamorous mode by also becoming a CEO with the infamous introduction of Day-to-Night Barbie. This Barbie’s outfit could transform from the office day to evening play, offering the suggestion to women that they did not have to choose between career, success, and fun. “Day-to-Night Barbie depicted a new working reality for women that still kept it fun with her outfit’s ability to change into a dazzling evening look,” says The Odyssey Online.
Margot Robbie as the day to night Barbie doll for the #Barbie Seoul premiere. pic.twitter.com/IrHmJ3ggpN
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 2, 2023
Day-to-Night Barbie’s ‘We Girls Can do Anything’ campaign seemed to foreshadow a gender role transformation. “Although, almost 30 years later there are perhaps less gendered ways to demonstrate this than a briefcase and double breasted blazer giving way to a cute cocktail dress,” comments The Evening Standard.
Although there will always be debates over the evolving definition of femininity, a reviewer from Romper wrote, “Day-to-Night Barbie showed a multifaceted Barbie who didn’t have to shy from her femininity to get ahead.”
3. Totally Hair Barbie
Although there is no competition among Barbie’s because each one represents the range of limitless possibilities for women, there is one Barbie that even the Guinness Book of World Records had to formally acknowledge. 1992’s introduction of Totally Hair Barbie led to her becoming the best-selling Barbie doll to date, with more than 10 million dolls sold worldwide.
Margot Robbie as the ‘Totally Hair Barbie’ for #Barbie press in Mexico. pic.twitter.com/vNJOmx27AA
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 7, 2023
Totally Hair Barbie’s dominating appeal may have been due to the fact that she was sold in blonde, brunette, and African-American versions, according to a reviewer from Grunge. Although everyone’s life has its own unique twists and turns, a seemingly universal memory among many girls in the United States is one brought up by the reviewer from Pop Sugar writes, “remember styling her hair with the gel?” YES! We all do!
4. Black Barbie
Although Barbie had a Black friend named Christie who was released in 1968, the same year that Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, the first official Black Barbie appeared to much fanfare in 1980.
Mattel Releases 40th Anniversary Black Barbie Doll Honoring The Original Black Barbie – The Shade Room https://t.co/FY9zsBvHw1 pic.twitter.com/PfDZTrqRGl
— Techinfinitylife (@Techinfinityli1) February 12, 2020
Released as a part of the “My Favorite Barbie Doll” collection, this particular Barbie was the most unique of them all. “The doll has a short Afro hairdo,” describes a reviewer from The Baltimore Sun. Worn as a symbol of Black pride since the 1960s, Black girls could now find a relatable face among the Barbie collection with an afro like theirs.
“The first Black Barbie ushered in the glamorous ‘80s with a bold red dress with cut-out sleeves,” writes a reviewer from Yahoo. Times have changed and Barbie has changed with it. Today’s Black Barbie has had a makeover, reflecting current Black hair trends including edges with perfectly curled baby hairs, according to Country 102.5.
5. Superstar Barbie
Superstar Barbie came with a facelift, a refreshing new Barbie identity that was used for the next 20 years. “With her pink gown, pink feather boa, and fabulous jewelry, Barbie is ready for a night out at Studio 54 or on stage, accepting one of her many awards. This Barbie also had a fabulous silver corvette for her and Superstar Ken to ride around in,” writes The Odyssey Online.Â
A reviewer from Romper adds: “This is the Platonic ideal of Barbie. Like, close your eyes and think ‘Barbie.’ You’re probably thinking of a doll kind of like this one, right? Long blonde hair? Check. Bubblegum pink everything? Check. Subtle but distinct makeup? Check. Whatever Barbie Girl black magic went on in the making of this doll I have no choice but to respect.”
Whether Barbie reminds of us dreams of superstardom, career goals or the beginnings of self love, Barbie is and always will be, a sweet presence in our memories. Which was your favorite Barbie? Leave a comment to let us know!
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.